In Defence of Sociology: Essays, Interpretations and Rejoinders

Giddens, Anthony

ISBN 10: 074561762X / ISBN 13: 9780745617626

Published by Polity Press, 1996

About this Item

Very good condition overall. Minor wear, a little heavier at top of spine. Clean and tight. No writing or marking.

Seller Inventory # 1885

Bibliographic Details

• Title: In Defence of Sociology: Essays, Interpretations and Rejoinders
• Publisher: Polity Press
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 074561762X
• ISBN 13: 9780745617626
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Social Sciences

About this title

Synopsis

Is there a future for sociology? To many, sociology seems to have lost its way. Born of the ideas of Auguste Comte in the nineteenth century, sociology established itself as 'the science of modernity', linked to a progressive view of history. Yet today the idea of progress has more or less collapsed; with its demise, some say, sociological thought has moved to the margins of contemporary intellectual culture.

In this book the author challenges such an interpretation, showing that sociology continues to hold a central position within the social sciences. Looking both to the past of sociology and the diversity of intellectual trends found in the present-day, Giddens explores many aspects of the sociological heritage. Comte, Durkheim, Parsons, Marshall, and Habermas are among the figures covered. Giddens also connects sociological work directly to current political issues and places the discipline of sociology in the context of broad questions of social and political theory.

This book will be of interest to undergraduates and professionals in the fields of sociology, anthropology and political science.

About the Author

Anthony Giddens is a British sociologist who is known for his theory of structuration and his holistic view of modern societies.